Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Interview with Reidun Seim by Kathy Bossort January 13, 2016 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory655

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1950

Length: 0:12:19

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue and the public tap available there for residents living on Burnaby Mountain. She talks about the City of Vancouver cemetery property. She describes the families and people who live…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue and the public tap available there for residents living on Burnaby Mountain. She talks about the City of Vancouver cemetery property. She describes the families and people who lived on Burnwood (2nd Ave), and the mushroom farm that operated next door to the Seim farm.

Date Range: 1930-1950

Length: 0:12:19

Subjects: Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Public Services - Public Works

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Burnwood Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lochdale Area; Westridge Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 13, 2016

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Reidun Seim conducted by Kathy Bossort. Reidun Seim was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Reidun Seim’s memories about her parent’s farm on Curtis Street, events in her childhood, and the people who lived in or visited her neighborhood. She takes us on a tour of her neighborhood in the 1940s, telling us stories about families who lived on Curtis Street on and east of 7300 block, including people who lived on Burnaby Mountain in the old Hastings Grove subdivision above the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue. She describes changes to Curtis Street, particularly after it provided access to Simon Fraser University in 1965. She also talks about her teaching career, and about how she values the green space and conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Reidun Seim was born in 1931 in Vancouver B.C. to Sjur and Martine Seim. Sjur and Martine Seim emigrated to Canada from Norway in 1930, and after settling in Vancouver, moved to an acre of land and a new home at the base of Burnaby Mountain in 1932. Sjur attended UBC to learn about poultry farming and began his own chicken and egg business in 1935. The farm animals and large garden also contributed to the family’s livelihood and self-sufficiency. The Curtis Street neighborhood was a lively place and extended well up Curtis Street on the west slope of Burnaby Mountain, where Reidun would babysit for families. Reidun attended Sperling Avenue Elementary School (Gr. 1-8), Burnaby North High School, and Vancouver Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. She began teaching primary grades in Port Coquitlam at James Park School. Most of her career was spent in North Delta, teaching at Kennedy and Annieville schools from 1954-1958, appointed Primary Consultant (1958-1960) and Primary Supervisor (1960-1985), before retiring in 1986. Reidun lived at home with her parents on Curtis Street, commuting to Delta, and continues to live in the original farmhouse.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 2:35:58

Interviewee Name: Seim, Reidun

Interview Location: Burnaby City Hall in the Law Library

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Reidun Seim

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-017/MSS196-017_Track_6.mp3

Bridge over rushing creek

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20068

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [194-]

Collection/Fonds: Esther Love Stanley fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of bridge over rushing rocky creek.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Esther Love Stanley fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of bridge over rushing rocky creek.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Creeks; Structures - Bridges

Accession Code: BV022.32.490

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [194-]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-07-18

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photograph is part of Esther Love Stanley photograph album 2 (BV032.22.431)

Images

Bridge over rushing creek, [194-] thumbnail

Forest and rushing creek

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20056

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [194-]

Collection/Fonds: Esther Love Stanley fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of creek rushing through a canyon with steep forested banks.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Esther Love Stanley fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of creek rushing through a canyon with steep forested banks.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Creeks

Accession Code: BV022.32.478

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [194-]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-07-18

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photograph is part of Esther Love Stanley photograph album 2 (BV032.22.431)

Images

Forest and rushing creek, [194-] thumbnail

Theodore Olaf Brue with his dog Pal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1598

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1943 (date of original)

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9.5 x 14.5 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Theodore Olaf Brue on his British Columbia Provincial Police motorcycle with his dog Pal sitting in the sidecar, wearing sunglasses. Theodore Brue would sometimes take Pal along in the sidecar while on patrol in Richmond.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9.5 x 14.5 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Theodore Olaf Brue on his British Columbia Provincial Police motorcycle with his dog Pal sitting in the sidecar, wearing sunglasses. Theodore Brue would sometimes take Pal along in the sidecar while on patrol in Richmond.

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Clothing - Uniforms; Animals - Dogs; Transportation - Motorcycles

Names: Brue, Theodore Olaf; British Columbia Provincial Police

Accession Code: BV001.25.73

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: 1943 (date of original)

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 09-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Theodore Olaf Brue with his dog Pal, 1943 (date of original) thumbnail

Aerial photograph of the Royal Canadian Air Force training camp

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55551

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 11 cm

Scope and Content: Aerial photograph of what appears to be the Royal Canadian Air Force training camp at Vernon, B.C.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 11 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-026

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Aerial photograph of what appears to be the Royal Canadian Air Force training camp at Vernon, B.C.

Subjects: Public Services - Military Services; Buildings - Military; Aerial Photographs; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Kermod, Douglas

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photographer's stamp on verso

Images

Aerial photograph of the Royal Canadian Air Force training camp, [1941] thumbnail

Interview with Edward Apps by Rod Fowler February 22, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory458

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1946-1990

Length: 00:05:37

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Ed Apps’ views about the political development in north and south Burnaby, the difference in trade union activity and provision of community services between the two areas, and the belief that moving Municipal Hall to a more central position has lessened antag…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Ed Apps’ views about the political development in north and south Burnaby, the difference in trade union activity and provision of community services between the two areas, and the belief that moving Municipal Hall to a more central position has lessened antagonism

Date Range: 1946-1990

Length: 00:05:37

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Organizations - Unions

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 22, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Edward Apps, conducted by Rod Fowler. Ed Apps was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Ed Apps involvement in community groups, particularly his work in seniors organizations lobbying for seniors’ housing since his retirement, and views about the role of Rate Payer groups, unions and politics in the development of North and South Burnaby. He also talks about his origin in England, his war service, arrival with his wife Margaret in Burnaby in 1946, his work with the Burnaby School Board and for the local union, the location of some of the older schools, the history of his house, and briefly about his wife and children. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Edward Apps was born in 1918 in London, England, and grew up in Kent and Essex. In WWII he flew the third glider to land in Normandy on June 6th, 1944. He and his wife Margaret Hope (1915-1985) immigrated to British Columbia in 1946, joining his wife’s parents, who had immigrated earlier in 1939, in Burnaby Heights in North Burnaby. He worked for the Burnaby School Board as Foreman Painter, and served on CUPE Local 379 Executive, until his retirement in 1982. In 1948 Ed Apps bought his first lot, for $150.00, in the 4700 block on Georgia Street, building houses there and in the 4100 block before buying his present home, a ca.1900 farm building, in the same area in 1954. North Burnaby was “bush country and orchards” in the 1950s; his two sons played in the ravines; and the family used the tram system on Hastings and Boundary Road for transportation. Development of municipal services seemed slower in North than South Burnaby, and Ed Apps remembers the strong role Rate Payers groups had in creating local services and lobbying Municipal Council for provide services. After retirement Ed Apps became involved in several local and provincial seniors organizations, advocating for better housing, including serving on the Executives of the Network of Burnaby Seniors and the Council of Senior Citizens Organization, and was active in the provincial Seniors Research and Resource and CMHC Housing Committee. He also served on the Centennial Committee of Burnaby.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:56:50

Interviewee Name: Apps, Ed

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Ed Apps

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-015/MSS187-015_Track_4.mp3

4200 Block Cambridge Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37820

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1940] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.9 x 2.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a dog on the sidewalk of the 4200 block of Cambridge Street. The photograph was taken facing east, and Capitol Hill is visible in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1940] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.9 x 2.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.4 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-408

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of a dog on the sidewalk of the 4200 block of Cambridge Street. The photograph was taken facing east, and Capitol Hill is visible in the background.

Subjects: Animals - Dogs; Geographic Features - Roads

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast

Geographic Access: Cambridge Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Heights Area

Images

4200 Block Cambridge Street, [1940] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Andy Digney Film

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85335

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1934 and 1961]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 optical discs (approx. 2 hrs, 40 min) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a collection of 18 short films on DVD. These films were created by Andy Digney using his 8 mm camera and provide views of the Digney family gatherings, trips, vacations at home and abroad. They also provide glimpses of Burnaby parades, celebrations and the Digney Speedway. The 18 segments h…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1934 and 1961]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 2 optical discs (approx. 2 hrs, 40 min) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2014-04

Scope and Content: Item is a collection of 18 short films on DVD. These films were created by Andy Digney using his 8 mm camera and provide views of the Digney family gatherings, trips, vacations at home and abroad. They also provide glimpses of Burnaby parades, celebrations and the Digney Speedway. The 18 segments have all been described at item level.

Subjects: Animals - Dogs; Recreational Activities - Fishing; Recreational Activities - Camping; Recreational Activities - Picnics; Geographic Features - Rivers; Events - Parades

Names: Digney, Andy; Digney, Ernest Frank "Dig"

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film; The original 8mm film footage was digitized and broken down into 18 segments, reflecting the original order. Items are described as 562-003-1 : 562-003-18

Avaries and fish pond

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88397

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1939 and 1940] (date of original), copied 2014

Collection/Fonds: James Massey family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 600 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of two avaries which held canaries and a fish pond in Robert Burnaby Park. James Massey was the caretaker of the park and built the fish pond in 1939 and three avaries where he raised canaries.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1939 and 1940] (date of original), copied 2014

Collection/Fonds: James Massey family fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 600 dpi

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 581-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2014-34

Scope and Content: Photograph of two avaries which held canaries and a fish pond in Robert Burnaby Park. James Massey was the caretaker of the park and built the fish pond in 1939 and three avaries where he raised canaries.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds; Animals - Birds

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lakeview-Mayfield Area

Images

Avaries and fish pond, [between 1939 and 1940] (date of original), copied 2014 thumbnail

Bird aviary

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88399

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1939 and 1940] (date of original), copied 2014

Collection/Fonds: James Massey family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 600 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of a bird aviary in Robert Burnaby Park. The bird aviary was built for raisng canaries by James Massey who was the caretaker of the park from 1933 until 1947.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1939 and 1940] (date of original), copied 2014

Collection/Fonds: James Massey family fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 600 dpi

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 581-005

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2014-34

Scope and Content: Photograph of a bird aviary in Robert Burnaby Park. The bird aviary was built for raisng canaries by James Massey who was the caretaker of the park from 1933 until 1947.

Subjects: Animals - Birds; Geographic Features - Parks

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lakeview-Mayfield Area

Images

Bird aviary, [between 1939 and 1940] (date of original), copied 2014 thumbnail

Davies family

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35082

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [194-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mrs. Davies and her family (a girl and two boys) in the Central Park caretaker's garden. A dog is with them.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [194-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Davies family subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 190-002

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1986-41

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mrs. Davies and her family (a girl and two boys) in the Central Park caretaker's garden. A dog is with them.

Subjects: Animals - Dogs; Geographic Features - Gardens

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Central Park; Imperial Street

Street Address: 3883 Imperial Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

Davies family, [194-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Ducks in the water

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1425

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1942

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of ducks swimming in a lake or a pond. Note the grassy edges around the water. The location is not identified.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm

Material Details: inscribed in blue ballpoint pen, recto, b. "JUNE 13 - 42."

Scope and Content: Photograph of ducks swimming in a lake or a pond. Note the grassy edges around the water. The location is not identified.

Subjects: Animals - Fowl; Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds

Accession Code: BV985.5799.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1942

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2024-02-27

Images

Joi Barber

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37913

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1947] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.9 x 2.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 26.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Joi Barber with a dog at Burnaby Mountain.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1947] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.9 x 2.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 26.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-501

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Joi Barber with a dog at Burnaby Mountain.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Mountains; Animals - Dogs

Names: Pontifex, Joi Barber

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Images

Joi Barber, [1947] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Woman and children in garden

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38709

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1940

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 14 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of children identified as Sheila, Susan and Allan are in a garden with Moira Deacon and a small black dog.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1940

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Series: Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 14 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 477-028

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2007-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of children identified as Sheila, Susan and Allan are in a garden with Moira Deacon and a small black dog.

Subjects: Animals - Dogs; Geographic Features - Gardens

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Woman and children in garden, 1940 thumbnail

Interview with Les Francis by Eric Damer October 16, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory327

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1914-1949

Length: 0:09:28

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's early years. He begins by mentioning his school days and moves into a detailed account of working with the municipality of Burnaby in the Hall and in the Stores.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's early years. He begins by mentioning his school days and moves into a detailed account of working with the municipality of Burnaby in the Hall and in the Stores.

Date Range: 1914-1949

Photo Info: Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070.

Length: 0:09:28

Subjects: Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 16, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Les Francis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 16, 2012. Major theme discussed: the role of the municipal worker in the nineteen-thirties through the war years.

Biographical Notes: Les Francis was born in London, England, in 1914 and came with his family to Burnaby in 1919. Except for a few years away on special projects, Les has lived in Burnaby ever since. After attending Kingsway West Elementary and Burnaby South High Schools, Les joined the municipal work force. He first worked as a clerk in 1930 and later joined the Engineering Department where he spent his career maintaining and extending the municipal water system. Les Francis retired in 1979 as the City of Burnaby's Work's Superintendent.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:43:18

Interviewee Name: Francis, Les

Interview Location: Interviewee's residence

Interviewer Bio: Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burna-Boom Oral History Project series

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Images

Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Les Francis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-010/MSS171-010_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Les Francis by Eric Damer October 16, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory328

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1946

Length: 0:10:36

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby, with a focus on waterworks.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby, with a focus on waterworks.

Date Range: 1930-1946

Photo Info: Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070.

Length: 0:10:36

Subjects: Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 16, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Les Francis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 16, 2012. Major theme discussed: the role of the municipal worker in the nineteen-thirties through the war years.

Biographical Notes: Les Francis was born in London, England, in 1914 and came with his family to Burnaby in 1919. Except for a few years away on special projects, Les has lived in Burnaby ever since. After attending Kingsway West Elementary and Burnaby South High Schools, Les joined the municipal work force. He first worked as a clerk in 1930 and later joined the Engineering Department where he spent his career maintaining and extending the municipal water system. Les Francis retired in 1979 as the City of Burnaby's Work's Superintendent.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:43:18

Interviewee Name: Francis, Les

Interview Location: Interviewee's residence

Interviewer Bio: Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burna-Boom Oral History Project series

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Images

Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Les Francis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-010/MSS171-010_Track_2.mp3

Interview with Les Francis by Eric Damer October 16, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory329

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1979

Length: 0:10:35

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby, with a focus on waterworks. Les describes the influence of industry and population on the water system as well as the history of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Water Board.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby, with a focus on waterworks. Les describes the influence of industry and population on the water system as well as the history of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Water Board.

Date Range: 1930-1979

Photo Info: Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070.

Length: 0:10:35

Subjects: Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 16, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Les Francis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 16, 2012. Major theme discussed: the role of the municipal worker in the nineteen-thirties through the war years.

Biographical Notes: Les Francis was born in London, England, in 1914 and came with his family to Burnaby in 1919. Except for a few years away on special projects, Les has lived in Burnaby ever since. After attending Kingsway West Elementary and Burnaby South High Schools, Les joined the municipal work force. He first worked as a clerk in 1930 and later joined the Engineering Department where he spent his career maintaining and extending the municipal water system. Les Francis retired in 1979 as the City of Burnaby's Work's Superintendent.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:43:18

Interviewee Name: Francis, Les

Interview Location: Interviewee's residence

Interviewer Bio: Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burna-Boom Oral History Project series

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Images

Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Les Francis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-010/MSS171-010_Track_3.mp3

Barnet school class

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15184

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1941 and 1942] (date of original), copied 2004

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Barnet School elementary class, 1941-1942. The group of students are arranged outside in three rows with trees behind them. Students are identified from left to right as; front row: Kenny Marshall, unknown, Lakhbeer Siddoo, Gurdeb Siddoo, Bobby Karppinen, unknown, Hardev Siddoo; middl…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Series: Kapoor Singh Siddoo family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Barnet School elementary class, 1941-1942. The group of students are arranged outside in three rows with trees behind them. Students are identified from left to right as; front row: Kenny Marshall, unknown, Lakhbeer Siddoo, Gurdeb Siddoo, Bobby Karppinen, unknown, Hardev Siddoo; middle row: Moyra Foort, Rose Johnston, Doreen Karppinen, Deirdre Davidson, Freda Hall, Joan Lynch, Sheila Carey, Catherine La Favor, Beatrice Woolsey and Goglin; back row: Bobby Goglin, Jackie Marshall, Ken Murray, Gurmeet Gurdell, Florence La Favor, Diljeet Teja, Colin Simmons, Ronny Johnson.

Subjects: Persons - Students; Persons - Children; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Buildings - Schools

Names: Barnet School; Marshall, Kenny; Siddoo, Hardev; Siddoo, Lakhbeer; Siddoo, Gurdeb; Karppinen, Robert "Bobby"; Foort, Moyra; Johnston, Rose; Karppinen, Doreen; Davidson, Dierdre; Hall, Freda; Lynch, Joan; Carey, Sheila; La Favor, Cathryn Bernice; McMillan, Beatrice Woolsey; Goglin, Robert "Bobby"; Marshall, Jack Darrel "Jackie"; Murray, Ken; Gurdell, Gurmeet; La Favor, Florence Alice; Teja, Diljeet; Simmons, Colin; Johnson, Ron "Ronny"

Accession Code: BV019.32.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1941 and 1942] (date of original), copied 2004

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; see page 235 in the book "In the Shadow by the Sea - recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Barnet School / Class 1941-1942 / Back Row:..."

Images

Barnet school class, [between 1941 and 1942] (date of original), copied 2004 thumbnail

Digney family at Bonsor Avenue and family outings

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85309

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1946 and 1947]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (13 min., 10 sec.) : digital,col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized silent colour film segment identified as Reel 15. Film footage opens with Andy and Alice Digney in the yard of the Digney family home on Bonsor Avenue and their son Ernest Frank (Dig) and his wife Dorothy (Dot) with thier infant son Paul at age 6 months and later as a toddler wi…

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1946 and 1947]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (13 min., 10 sec.) : digital,col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-003-15

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2014-04

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized silent colour film segment identified as Reel 15. Film footage opens with Andy and Alice Digney in the yard of the Digney family home on Bonsor Avenue and their son Ernest Frank (Dig) and his wife Dorothy (Dot) with thier infant son Paul at age 6 months and later as a toddler with a variety of family members. Footage also includes a view of Prince George, family members with Elephants and ponies from the Bible Brothers Circus, the Crystal Pool and Butchart Gardens in Victoria. The film closes with Paul, grandpa Dig and the family dog, Nero back in the yard of their home on Bonsor Avenue.